Consuming curiosity she felt about something in her schooldays stayed on stronger as she grew up and metamorphosed into a deep concern that soon developed into a lifelong commitment to doing not just something but everything possible and make the impossible possible.

Families here now come forward to seeking help and we get to hear people talk about mental health without reservation, without feeling uncomfortable or without the fear of being stigmatised by society, thanks a great deal to this curiosity-turned-concern-and-commitment of the schoolgirl who is now an inspiring lady working tirelessly to spread further awareness, create more facilities and open new retreats to deal with the issue of mental health in Oman.

The schoolgirl in this case was Her Highness Sayyida Basma Al Said whose dedication to creating awareness and tackling issues related to mental health saw her launch Whispers of Serenity, Oman’s first private specialised mental health and well-being clinic, in 2011.

HH Sayyida Basma’s passion for and perseverance in her chosen field is seen in the manner she addresses topics that are considered taboo, challenges stereotypes and tackles issues relating to mental health.

“Right from when I was in school I used to find the topic of mental health interesting and how it’s an important matter. This prompted me to take up Mental Health Counselling in university. On completing my master’s, I started working at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. Even while I was working at SQUH, I had this urge to do more.”

“I have always felt that the topic of mental health had to be addressed differently. And how we could get people to talk about it without being uncomfortable. I wanted the topic of mental health awareness not only to reach every person in Oman but outside the country as well. That’s why I started Whispers of Serenity.”

HH Sayyida Basma

Not the one to rest on her laurels, HH Sayyida Basma went on to launch the Not Alone campaign in 2014 to do away with the barriers and misconceptions surrounding mental health by creating an open and sharing environment for those who seek support. This campaign received immense support from people not just in Oman but across the borders too.

“I had made a promise to myself that I would give back to society in whatever way I could. The centre, the campaign, events that followed, and creative projects to spread awareness about mental health are all part of this promise I made,” says HH Sayyida Basma.

HH Sayyida Basma has been working relentlessly to spread mental health awareness and has been instrumental in changing the perception of mental health in not just Oman but the region as well. Her commitment to the cause is admirable.

“My inspiration comes from my passion. Having a vision about where I want to go, about where I want to take my passion…that is what drives me. The more challenging the task at hand, the more it pushes me,” says HH Sayyida Basma.

Quite a lot has been achieved by HH Sayyida Basma through her work in the field of mental health and she is hoping a lot more will happen. “It would be lovely for Oman to have an organisation for mental health. Secondly, Oman is a beautiful and lovely place to host mental health retreats.

Having a law relating to mental health in Oman would be a great step. It is also important to teach mental health in schools,” says HH Sayyida Basma as she shares her dreams for Oman.

On the occasion of the 50th National Day of Oman, HH Sayyida Basma beams with pride. “Oman has always been a country that has done its best.
From the time of the leadership of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos (May God rest his soul) who worked very hard to bring Oman to where it is today to the continuation of the amazing Al Said legacy under His Majesty Sultan Haitham who is bringing vibrant and new ideas, the Sultanate has grown remarkably in the last 50 years.

“Oman is known as the country of peace with kind and humble people. We, as Omanis, should realise that it is a big responsibility to maintain the image that the world has of us. Each one of us is an ambassador of this beautiful country.

We have to work together to make things even better; to carry on the legacy that the country has. Our late Majesty Sultan Qaboos would have wanted that.

“I wish everyone a happy National Day. I wish for them to be thankful for where we are today, to be thankful for how we are today, and to be thankful for what we are today.”